Enzo Maresca has been named the favorite for the job of Chelsea coach

Enzo Maresca has been listed as the 2/1 favorite to replace Mauricio Pochettino as Chelsea manager. The man who only weeks ago led Leicester City to the Championship title is leading the way to take over at Stamford Bridge with online bookies bet365, ahead of former Brighton boss Roberto De Zerbi (11/4) and of Ipswich Town manager Kieran McKenna (3/1).

Other candidates listed to take over from Pochettino, who left the club by mutual consent on Tuesday after a sixth-place finish in the top flight, include Thomas Frank (Brentford – 7/1), Rubin Amorim (Sporting CP – 12/1 ). ) and Michel Sanchez (Girona – 14/1).

Maresca, an assistant to Pep Guardiola at Manchester City before taking over at the King Power Stadium almost a year ago, polished his credentials after a thrilling campaign with the Foxes, who at one point threatened to broke a lot of second-rate records before a slump. form saw them cross the line with a game to spare.

READ MORE: Chelsea get Enzo Maresca’s response as shock decision made

READ MORE: Chelsea’s Enzo Maresca ‘probable’ claim on Pochettino exit

But the Italian has made his ambition clear, even though he has also spoken of staying with Leicester for several seasons, so a move to Chelsea would undoubtedly have great appeal, even if his lack of Premier League managerial experience would make such an appointment. a huge surprise.

Elsewhere, the Italian is listed as 4/1 third favorite for the job behind De Zerbi and McKenna by Sky Bet, while on some sites he is not listed at all, exposing the volatility of early betting for the job.

Chelsea have developed a reputation for hiring and firing managers regardless of pedigree under Roman Abramovic, when the likes of Jose Mourinho and Carlo Ancelotti were given the door despite their successes.

It’s a habit maintained by the club’s current owners, although the profile of their managers has ranged from top-flight figures such as Thomas Tuchel and Pochettino to the relatively inexperienced Graham Potter. What they all have in common is leaving the club after a relatively short tenure of just over a year.

Speaking about his future upon his arrival at Leicester, Maresca was clearly looking to the longer term. He said: “I always picture myself with the same team for five or six years and imagine how good we could be. I can see my team after just one month, so I can imagine what they will be like in five years.

“This is the dream of all managers, but today it is difficult. I know many managers who don’t get a chance to finish a season. Everything has changed and now it’s hard to find a manager who has been at the same club for many years.

“It’s my dream today. If you ask me my professional dream is to stay at one club and build something important for many years.”

However, the club are currently subject to an EFL transfer embargo and while that is likely to end now that the Foxes are a top-flight outfit again, that rise will bring its own problems, with City facing a points penalty for player spending violation. rules.

All in all, the baggage that comes from being manager of Leicester City in the Premier League may convince the Italian that the time has come to look elsewhere.

Should City fight to keep Maresca? Tell us your thoughts in the comments HERE